Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow - BBC One

June 2009

More Tom Stade videos

Bought up in the backwoods of British Columbia Tom Stade earned his comedy stripes in Canada, where he recorded his own one-hour TV special Stade And Confused for the Comedy Network.

Now largely based in the UK, he is a circuit stalwart who has appeared on stand-up shows The Comedy Store , The Live Floor Show and The World Stands Up .

He made his Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2006 with the show And Relax.

Tom Stade: What Year Was That? in London
Live Review
Leicester Square Theatre

Tom Stade might not be that familiar a name – a McIntryre Roadshow and a couple of other stand-up slots is pretty much all he has on his televisual CV – but that he can play three nights to decent-sized houses at the Leicester Square Theatre should provide heartening proof that quality will always find its audience.

For almost a decade as a stalwart of the British circuit, this audacious, cheeky and sarcastic Canadian has built up a formidable repertoire, epitomised by harsh jokes which he justifies by sophisticated arguments. That way he should appeal to both those seeking the sick, and those seeking the insightful – though they are not always mutually exclusive demographics.

Half of his set is personal; a front-line report from a man deeply embedded in a 16-year relationship, where passionate romance has long been replaced by placid, soul-sapping acceptance. He feels trapped, with his dreams sacrificed and his sex life almost tragic. It makes him bitterly frustrated, which erupts in raw gags that cut very close to the bone. Some of the chuckles are surely bitter laughs of recognition.

On the face of it, he is discussing those most well-worn of ‘men are from Mars…’ topics, complaining, for example, that women talk too much. Yet he approaches with such a fresh angle – a unique theory as to why this might be that has a ring of plausibility – that the gives the routine a real edge.

The same is true of other topics. Fat Americans, airport security and shopping at Primark might be the set list of any lazy McHack comedian, yet Stade creeps up on such topics from the undergrowth, rather that taking the well-worn path to their front door.

His disarmingly charming approach goes a long way, too. When he teeters along the edge of taste and decency – which he so often does – it’s with a snigger in his voice at how naughty he’s being, making his mischievous little gags about Islam or Third World famine.

Some would say this is no ground for comedy, but Stade is unapologetic about the fact that he’s just saying things that amuse him, sometimes precisely because they are verboten.

Another technique – which gives this show his title – is to assume one front-row punter is an age-old friend, Jimmy’, who’s been on many adventures with him. ‘When we went to Somalia, what year was that?’ he prompts, seeking confirmation his tall tales. Even if tonight’s Jimmy was a little slow on the uptake about what was required of him; that provides more laughs. The technique also provides Slade with an instant scapegoat, putting any dubious material on to poor Jimmy’s shoulders.

But when it comes to taking the credit for a bold, brilliantly-written show that forever teases the audience’s expecatations, Stade shouldn’t have to share the plaudits with anybody. This is a genuinely classy, genuinely funny show from a slick pro.

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Saw him in Barnsley on a bill with Abi Roberts and Bob Mills - all three absolutely ripped it but Stade really was top notch - excellent delivery, fine material and an almost Bill Hicks-Esque style about him.

Incubus2011, December 2011

Just got back from a trip to Manchester where we saw Tom. Seen him before a few times around London and like his shows, this was the best ever, he had us howling with laughter. We have seen probably most of the best but this was the funniest show we think we have ever been to.

David Shaw, November 2011

Tom Stade at Worcester Huntington Hall had both good and bad elements. Tom is a very funny man, that has to be said, however having followed him on the circuit for a while I fear he has become a lazy comic who is just reworking old material from his 2008 blue album. I did laugh out loud but was excited at the prospect of hearing new material, of which we never got. Tom does make me laugh but it was a mix of enjoyment and disappointment.

melanie ford, September 2011

Tom Stade at the Ironworks Inverness was both good and bad experience. Good to see him live, and he made the audience laugh . Bad because he said nothing new in his act, tried and tested on TV over the past year and more. It's testament to his skill as a comedian that it still made me laugh all the same. It seems once a comedian gets established like Tom, they get a bit complacent in their attitude to their audience.I wouldn't hesitate about going to see Tom Stade again despite my criticism - he enjoys his chosen vocation, it transfers to his audience and it shows.

Douglas Thomson, February 2011

If there was a guy you could look up too, who smokes dope and keeps the dream alive with fantastical tales, this man would be Tom Stade. He's honest and charming, and delivers a hilarious performance of the what would be everyday life for many britons. Highly recommend.

Swamp Thing, February 2011

I have seen many comedians live, including, Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle, Stephen K Amos, Kevin Bridges and Lee Mack, but without a doubt, Tom Stade is the one me and partner have enjoyed the most. He has a natural delivery when telling a joke, and is in my opinion the best stand up comedian working today!

Paul Marson, January 2011

I first saw Tom years ago at Jongleurs, it was the first time in my life that I actually thought that I might die laughing!! His very original material and black humour draws you in as he tells tales of his life and his observations of the U.K. Since then I have tried catch most of his Glasgow shows, the latest being at Highlight in Glasgow where he was joined on stage by another of my favourite and outstanding comics, Sean Collins. Both used to do a double act together in Canada and worked brilliantly on stage together. It was evident that they don't get to catch up much! The atmosphere was electric and the show was great! I seemed to be prime target and the butt of many of their jokes, made my night! I would definitely recommend seeing Tom Stade and of course Sean Collins, even better? Get yourself to a night when they are both there!

Nikki McC, April 2010

I've seen Tom over the years, and there are few comics as funny to the core working anywhere in the world. He is always writing new material for himself and to help improve his peers. Half the circuit has gags that Tom has created for them when working together. He is unique this way in making comics around him better. His sets range from experimental new material to the bullet-proof TV sets that he is well known for. So if you happen to catch him doing material you've seen on TV, it is because the club requested a greatest hits set on that particular night. catching him on a night where he has the freedom to just riff, you'll see material never tested before, but equally rewarding.

heroin Jimmy, December 2009

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